GlobaLinks Learning Abroad has designed this program in Scotland with your individual student goals in mind. It is built around a unique Discovery Model which is delivered by some of the best staff in study abroad, both in the U.S. and overseas, in order to provide you with an individualized experience through discovery in 5 key areas: personal, academic, cultural, social, and career. Learn more about the Discovery Model.

Quick Links

General information applicable to all Semester and Year Abroad Programs:

Use the left-hand navigation for information specific to this program.

The University of Stirling is a wonderful place – beautiful and vibrant, relaxed and engaging. The University has one of the finest campuses in Europe and has an excellent reputation for both research and teaching. Many of its students comment on thefriendly atmosphere of a medium-sized university, with a large number opting to live on campus with its great amenities and strong community feel.

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Location

The University of Stirling is located in the heart of Scotland, nestling at the foot of the Highlands and about two miles from the historic city of Stirling (pop. approx. 45,000).

Scotland is closer than you might imagine and is very easy to get to from North America. Several major cities in the US and Canada offer direct flights and most others can be reached via one of the European hubs such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, or Paris.

Scotland has its own distinct culture, education, law and political systems, giving it a unique and diverse character, which differs from its southern neighbor, England. Outside the narrow, but well-populated central belt, much of the rest of the country consists of mountains and moors, islands, lochs, and glens. Stirling is especially fortunate in having so much of Scotland’s best scenery within easy reach.

Stirling is one of the most attractive places to live and study in the UK, offering avibrant mix of the historic and modern. The city has a population of around 45,000 and offers a great mix of small city and rural lifestyles. Students make up over 20 percent of Stirling’s population and this is reflected in both the feel of the city and the broad range of amenities on offer.

Stirling is also a major tourist destination which attracts visitors from all over the world to view the historic sights of Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and Stirling Bridge. To meet the varied needs of visitors and residents alike, the city is well-served by bistros, cafes, and restaurants, as well as offering a wide variety of social and leisure facilities.

The location of the University makes it a great choice for students who love the outdoors, as Stirling is often called the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. There are several hiking trails a short walking distance from the University, and students can travel a little further north to go skiing and snowboarding at certain times of year.

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Academic Highlights

The University of Stirling has a strong reputation for both teaching and research and is in the top rank of Scottish universities. It offers a full range of subjects across the areas of arts, management, law, human sciences, and natural sciences. The academic assessment system is based on periodic assessment: essays, class tests and seminar papers make up as much of your final grade as end of semester examinations.

The University of Stirling has been rated in the top ten for the UK’s Best Student Experience (The Times Higher Education Supplement, 2006)

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Housing

The University of Stirling offers a fantastic range of housing from on-campus shared flats (apartments) and chalets, to shared flats in the center of Stirling. Study abroad students are guaranteed university housing for the duration of their program. Accommodation at Stirling is organized on a self-catering basis.

There is no compulsory meal provision and all housing has cooking facilities so that students may make their own meals. Alternatively, there is a range of on-campus restaurants, where flexible meal plans are available.

All study bedrooms are single occupancy with a bed, wardrobe, desk, storage space, and a wash hand basin. Bed linen is provided, however students will have to buy cooking utensils once they have arrived.

High-speed internet access is available in all of the study bedrooms in the University residences. Wireless Access Points are available for purchase for a small fee.

Accommodation is wheelchair accessible on access levels only. Rooms adapted for students with disabilities are available, but there is a limited supply. Students should advise GlobaLinks Learning Abroad and The International Affairs team as soon as possible if they require adapted housing.

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University Services

The University of Stirling is a modern university with state-of-the-art facilities including interactive teaching rooms, wireless Internet access in central areas, and wired Internet throughout most of the residences.

The International and Study Abroad Office has a dedicated International Student Advisor who can provide help on a range of matters, including welfare, legal, and related issues. This is a confidential service.

All study abroad students have the option to meet with dedicated Overseas Advisors whose role is to provide academic guidance during your time at the University.

Student Support Services (SSS) provides for students a safe and confidential environment where students can talk through any personal, emotional, or social concerns with an independent advice worker or counsellor.

The Students’ Association (SUSA) also has a support service, which is run by students for students, independent of the University. Its services are geared to provide support on academic, welfare, and personal matters. It provides a confidential telephone support service, as well as organizing specialist information services for different groups of students.

Study abroad students at Stirling may be eligible for free healthcare under the National Health Service (NHS) and there is a medical center conveniently located on the main campus.

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Orientation

Bridging Cultures Program

The GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program is our signature orientation program for all semester and year abroad students. The cost for this multi-day program is included in your program fees and covers several nights accommodation, most meals, local transportation, and excursions.

Typically 4-6 days in length, each orientation program includes:

Exciting excursions and activities

A chance to meet other students

Orientation sessions to help you adapt to your new country

Orientation sites vary based on the location of your program. Each site is selected based on the proximity to your host university as well as for the unique activities available within the area. Read more about the Bridging Cultures Program>

University Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program, all students will participate in a university specific orientation. The International and Study Abroad Office organizes a full orientation program for students at the start of their semester at Stirling. This begins with an airport pickup service from the principal cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh and continues with information sessions, important academic advice, social events, and tours of campus and the surrounding area.

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Scholarships Available

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad strives to offer the most reasonable abroad fees to Europe. To further enhance the affordability of the semester/year study abroad programs, we encourage you to apply for scholarships through all available scholarship sources. Learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

University of Stirling Students' Union

As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participant, you will be directly enrolled as a student in the university abroad. This allows you to take advantage of every opportunity to be culturally integrated in the campus environment and culture by participating in university activities with resident students. The University of Stirling takes sport and leisure almost as seriously as it takes its reputation for academic excellence. The University of Stirling Students’ Union supports the 70+ varied clubs and societies which are on offer at Stirling. Sporting clubs range from basketball to octopush and from urban dance to skydiving. There is also a wide range of cultural, political, religious, and subject-based societies. They even have a Chocolate Appreciation Society! The International Students’ Society is the University’s largest society and attracts both International and home students alike.

There is a wide range of on-campus sporting facilities including:

50m pool in the National Swimming Academy

Indoor and outdoor tennis courts in the Scottish National Tennis Centre

A golf academy with a nine-hole par-3 golf course

Squash courts

A state-of-the-art fitness and conditioning center

and more!

Buddy Program

To help you find your way around the university, Stirling, and the United Kingdom, you can request a personal buddy, a current Stirling student, who will answer your practical questions. Most of the buddies will also introduce you to Scottish habits and customs, and the best tips and tricks of being a student at Stirling. Your buddy will have first-hand knowledge of student life. In fact, most of their current “buddies” have studied abroad themselves. But remember, you can probably teach your buddy just as much about your culture as he or she can teach you about Stirling – it’s a two way flow of information!

Community Involvement

Getting involved abroad can enable you to meet local students, make a meaningful connection with your campus and community, and enhance your study abroad experience. Your coordinator will connect you with local resources if you wish to volunteer for community projects through your host university. It is important for you to find the right combination of academic, cultural, and leisure activities in order to take full advantage of international learning and cultural immersion.

All students are encouraged to participate in volunteer activities at or near their campus, where permitted under host-country immigration regulations. Service learning is an integral piece of a well-rounded education, and we support students’ efforts to integrate into the local culture through volunteer activities. Students are provided with information on volunteer opportunities on campus or within the community during the orientation and preparation process.

Example of how you can get involved in the community:

Stirling Volunteer Centre

This organization can help you find all the information you need to know about volunteering in the Stirling area and greater Scotland. www.volunteerscotland.org.uk/

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Special Programs and Excursions

Bridging Cultures Program

The GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program is our signature orientation program for all semester and year abroad students. The cost for this multi-day program is included in your program fees and covers several nights accommodation, most meals, local transportation, and excursions.

Typically 4-6 days in length, each orientation program includes:

Exciting excursions and activities

A chance to meet other students

Orientation sessions to help you adapt to your new country

Orientation sites vary based on the location of your program. Each site is selected based on the proximity to your host university as well as for the unique activities available within the area. Read more about the Bridging Cultures Program>

Discovery Activities

Planned Excursions & Events

Our in-country resident staff arranges scheduled activities with students throughout the year. Activities are optional and designed to explore the five key areas of discovery: academic, social, personal, cultural, and professional. These are not just visits to tourist attractions. For example, these are activities such as networking opportunities, local festivals, gallery openings, and other similar events that you can’t find in a travel book. These activities will truly enhance your experience.

On-Going Activities

Your exploration of the culture, the academics, the people, and yourself is what will truly enhance your experience. Through the Discovery Model, our in-country staff will provide you with advice and recommendations for other types of activities you can undertake in order achieve your individual goals.

Other Trips and Travel Available

Beyond our included orientation and excursions, you will be able to pre-book a wide variety of day, weekend, and week-long tours at a discounted price through our travel partner, STA Travel. These trips provide the ultimate flexibility for you to travel where you want to go, when you want to go, and with whom you want to go. Most trips have open dates, so you can pre-book the trip(s) that interest you, yet choose your dates later on in your semester. This flexibility also means friends that you make from other countries/programs or even your friends and family who are visiting you abroad can also participate. Learn more>

The University of Stirling has a travel agency right on campus which specializes in student excursions. Unicorn Travel offers a travel advisory session at the start of each semester where students can learn about upcoming trips and travel opportunities, as well as getting advice about how to make their money go further when planning future travel. Tips and special trips will be advertised on the International Affairs team’s Facebook page!

Examples of past excursions include a tour of Scotland’s whisky distilleries (always a popular option!), and a tour of the different castles in Scotland. The International Student’s Society also organizes trips for its members, and arranges social events between the Stirling Society and International Societies at other universities in Scotland. There’s no excuse for not getting involved!

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Course Catalog

To determine if the classes you need are available at this university, select Courses/Subjects to view the specific course options.

Tips: For advice on navigating the university’s course catalog, use the Selecting Courseslink. You may also view the suggested grade and credit transfer information through the Grade Conversion.

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Photo Slideshow

Watch a short slideshow of photos of the University of Stirling campus and surrounding area

Ask Our Alumni

Ever wonder what it's like to live in Europe? Are you having trouble finding the right university for you? Speak to students that were already there! They are truly experts on their universities and cities, and want to help you go abroad too.

Email studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org with your name, email, and your specific program of interest and we'll email you with the contact details for one of our 20,000 alumni!

Additional Housing Fee

An additional refundable housing deposit may be required for your housing selection. This housing is self-catered, therefore you will have access to a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.

*All fees are subject to change.

Dates

Should you receive an offer, your offer letter will provide you with the most up to date university start dates. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad will attempt to provide you with the most up-to-date information as we receive it. Be sure to confirm dates before finalizing any travel plans.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level (sophomore or higher).
Students with a lower GPA than the requirement may be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact our office for more information.